OSS Weekly Digest

MARCH 15, 2025

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WEEKLY DIGEST

MARCH 15, 2025

View in web browser →

Dipping Into the Science of Olive Oil

by Joe Schwarcz PhD

Should you substitute extra virgin olive oil for butter, cream, and margarine in your diet?

Remembering Joe Nickell, Skeptical Icon

by Jonathan Jarry MSc

Nickell, who died at age 80, was full of lessons for anyone getting into skepticism.

RECCO Reflectors Echo Safety Signals

by Cat Wang BSc

RECCO Reflectors are a low-cost safety addition to outerwear and gear for those braving the backcountry, whether on foot or ski. How does this technology work?

Voodoo Magic and the Mind-Body Connection

by David Popa

Studying “voodoo death” has led to unexpected developments in our understanding of how emotion can impact physical health.

Dipping Into the Science of Olive Oil

by Joe Schwarcz PhD

Should you substitute extra virgin olive oil for butter, cream, and margarine in your diet?

Remembering Joe Nickell, Skeptical Icon

by Jonathan Jarry MSc

Nickell, who died at age 80, was full of lessons for anyone getting into skepticism.

RECCO Reflectors Echo Safety Signals

by Cat Wang BSc

RECCO Reflectors are a low-cost safety addition to outerwear and gear for those braving the backcountry, whether on foot or ski. How does this technology work?

Voodoo Magic and the Mind-Body Connection

by David Popa

Studying “voodoo death” has led to unexpected developments in our understanding of how emotion can impact physical health.

Your Morning Cup O'Joe

Parkinson's Disease and Some Clever Chemistry

Dopamine pills cannot be used to treat the disease because dopamine cannot cross the blood brain barrier.

Trumping Aluminum

The U.S. is putting tariffs on Canadian aluminum in a trade war.

Your Morning Cup O'Joe

Parkinson's Disease and Some Clever Chemistry

Dopamine pills cannot be used to treat the disease because dopamine cannot cross the blood brain barrier.

Trumping Aluminum

The U.S. is putting tariffs on Canadian aluminum in a trade war.

What else we're reading

New York Times - Tuberculosis Resurgent as Trump Funding Cut Disrupts Treatment Globally
Forbes - Health Experts Debunk Measles Misinformation

OSS in the News

CBC News - Ottawa marks 5 years since 1st COVID-19 case, start of pandemic [Dr. Labos]
CJAD - Measles and Vitamin A [Dr. Joe]
CJAD - Are probiotics a waste of money? [Dr. Joe]
CJAD - What should you do if you have come into contact with someone who has measles? [Dr. Labos]
CJAD - Why measles outbreaks are on the rise in Canada [Dr. Labos]
The Body of Evidence - These puzzles can teach kids about critical thinking [Dr. Labos]
The Know Rogan Experience - Ky Dickens (Telepathy Tapes) [Jonathan Jarry]
The Montreal Gazette - Tariffs could take a toll on our physical health [Dr. Labos]

Question of the Week:

Hair is composed of which type of protein?

Last Week's Q: Some audiologists are concerned that noise cancelling headphones are causing a rise in which disorder? A: Auditory processing disorder (APD)

Submit your answer here!

The McGill Office for Science and Society (OSS) is dedicated to the promotion of critical thinking and the presentation of scientific information to the public, educators and students in an accurate and responsible fashion.

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